WICKER PARK — Happy Friday!
Here are a few ideas for things to do in the Wicker Park, Bucktown and West Town neighborhoods this weekend.
Shop For Crafts. The massive Renegade Craft Fair returns to Division Street for its Chicago homecoming, bringing over 400 makers of hand-crafted goods, along with food and drinks, DIY art workshops and more. Free and dog friendly. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, on Division Street between Damen and Ashland Avenue.
Wind Down The Week With Music. Indie singer songwriter Gia Margaret, who is working on a debut album and was recently featured in the Tribune, will perform a show, H! Bar Presents: Gia Margaret.
Free, age 21 and up, 9 p.m. Friday, 2022 W. North Ave.
Get A Free Eyebrow Shaping. Lumen Optical will host a "Brows and Browse" gathering with free brow shaping, light appetizers, wine and special discounts on designer frames during the event. From 5-7 p.m. Friday, 2529 N. Elston Ave.
Turn Eating Italian Beef Into A Good Deed. In conjunction with the Renegade Craft Fair, Vinny D's will donate a portion of this weekend's sales to pay for 100 Thanksgiving dinners in the community, according to the owners of the casual Italian and gelato spot. At 1709 W. Division St.
Experience The Delta. A new restaurant and bar serving Mississippi Delta-style red hot brisket tamales, grilled catfish and more unique dishes plus craft cocktails opens Sunday night in the former Monarch spot. Hours are 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday and Monday, at 1745 W. North Ave.
Burlesque At Fifolet. Division Street Cajun and cocktail spot Fifolet will host a free burlesque show Saturday night, featuring Eva Le Fava and Hot Tawdry. Starts at 11 p.m., 1942 W. Division St.
Party In Smith Park. The Smith Park Advisory Council will hold its 2nd Annual Appreciation Day on Saturday, with a bounce house for kids, a face painter and popcorn. Billy Goat Tavern and American Glory food trucks will sell beer and food and a live band starts playing at 5 p.m. followed by a movie in the park, "Ferris Buellers Day Off," at sunset. Free, starts at 2 p.m., 2526 W. Grand Ave.
Try Beatnik. A new restaurant from the owners of Black Bull, Bordel and Celeste opened earlier this week. Weekend hours are 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday for dinner; 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. brunch and dinner on Sat. and Sun., at 1604 W. Chicago Ave.
Visit The Sunday Farmers Market. Enjoy fresh produce, cheese, meats and specialty items, like crepes, at the Wicker Park Farmers Market. Hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, 1425 N. Damen Ave.
Score Back-to-School Books At McDonald's. The fast food behemoth is doing a Happy Meal-sized book promotion through Sept. 18, in celebration of National Literacy Month. There are four books in the collection ("Pete the Cat's Got Class" by James Dean, "Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School" by Herman Parish, "Just A School Project" by Mercer Mayer and "If You Take a Mouse to School" by Laura Numeroff). The books are free with a Happy Meal buy (roughly $1.99+tax), 1951 N. Western Ave.
Whack A Pinata, Then Try Some Calming Tea Next Door. The StopAlong pizza parlor near The 606's Milwaukee/Leavitt ramp at 1812 N. Milwaukee Ave. will celebrate its first year on Saturday with a big party offering free soft serve ice cream, cake (while it lasts), a pinata to take a swing at, and more revelry. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Then, check out Xuan Tea, a just-opened authentic Chinese tea bar two doors north of the pizza parlor, open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, 1816 N. Milwaukee Ave.
